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Unmasking antigens for immunohistochemistry
1Edinburgh University Department of Veterinary Pathology, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian, UK.
British Journal of Biomedical Science
|September 29, 2001
Summary
Formalin fixation and paraffin embedding are standard for tissue morphology but damage antigens for immunohistochemistry. Antigen retrieval techniques, including enzymatic, non-enzymatic, and heat-based methods, have revolutionized immunohistochemistry for diagnostic pathology.
Area of Science:
- Histopathology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Biochemical analysis
Background:
- Formalin fixation and paraffin embedding (FFPE) are standard for tissue preservation and morphological analysis.
- FFPE processing can alter antigen structure, hindering subsequent immunohistochemical (IHC) studies.
- Immunohistochemistry is a crucial diagnostic tool in pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of antigen retrieval techniques.
- To appraise current methods for antigen retrieval in immunohistochemistry.
- To highlight the impact of antigen retrieval on diagnostic pathology.
Main Methods:
- Review of enzymatic antigen retrieval methods.
- Review of non-enzymatic antigen retrieval methods.
- Review of heat-based antigen retrieval methods.
Main Results:
- Antigen retrieval techniques have significantly improved IHC sensitivity and specificity.
- Various methods exist, including enzymatic, non-enzymatic, and heat-based approaches.
- These techniques overcome limitations of FFPE for IHC.
Conclusions:
- Antigen retrieval is essential for effective immunohistochemistry after FFPE.
- The development of these techniques has transformed diagnostic pathology.
- Current methods offer diverse options for optimizing IHC staining.